Droopys Plunge Causes English Derby Boilover
IN a powerful display, the talented Droopys Plunge has claimed the coveted Group 1 English Derby Final for connections.
EXCEPTIONAL chaser Droopys Plunge claimed the Group 1 English Derby (500m) overnight, delivering a stellar performance to secure the coveted trophy for trainer Patrick Janssens on home soil at Towcester.
As the only UK-trained runner among five Irish-trained greyhounds in the Derby finale, the brilliant son of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Sweet showcased remarkable consistency throughout all six rounds of the world's most prestigious series, despite going around as an underdog on most occasions.
Emerging from trap 1, Droopys Plunge secured £175,000 ($364,367.50 AUS) for Janssens and The Three Tall Men Syndicate, finishing powerfully along the fence to claim a thrilling win over the concluding stages.
In a remarkable effort, Belgian-born trainer Patrick Janssens won six races on the fifteen-race program.
“Unbelievable, what a remarkable greyhound!” said Janssens post race.
“He jumped so well but ran into some interference and got shuffled back.
“But when they reached the final bend and I saw where Droopys Plunge was, getting to the inside of Bockos Diamond, everything fell into place and worked in our favour.
“How brave he was during the final half of the race.”
Starting from the inside draw, Droopys Plunge angled himself into a favourable position, taking an early lead. He was overtaken at the first bend but settled mid-field, sticking to the rails and making a strong comeback to chase down the leaders.
He fought valiantly in the home stretch, surpassing Bockos Diamond and De Lahdedah in a time of 28.76.
“In the early stages with Droopys Plunge, he was inconsistent,” the trainer added.
“He wasn't settled, we adjusted a few things, kenneled him with a female, and it worked wonders.
“How he managed to qualify through each round was incredible – it was such a strong field, and any of the six could have taken the win.”
Janssens acknowledged the efforts of his kennel staff for managing the dog and bringing out his full potential.
Droopys Plunge took his record to 15 wins from 30 starts, securing Group 1 success at his third career attempt after previously reaching the finals of both the Blue Riband and Eclipse competitions.
The victory marked Patrick Janssens' second English Derby title, succeeding with Thorn Falcon in 2021 also.
He was bred by esteemed Irish stud masters Sean and Michael Dunphy, initially trained by John Linehan at Blarney, before being transferred over to Patrick Janssens in the UK as a promising young prospect.
The Dunphy's also bred Droopys Scholes, which won the 2004 English Derby.
Patrick Janssens' night ended with his kennel claiming other major silverware:
Group 2 Puppy Trophy – Romeo Ability
Group 2 Derby Plate – Romeo Tomcat
Group 2 Champion Stakes – Romeo Steel
All photos courtesy of Jim Tate Photography – https://jimtatephotography.picfair.com/
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